ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include a change in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach as well as anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who are taking stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to increase concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in heart rate and blood pressure. People who suffer from diabetes should be aware of this medication as it could cause rapid increases in blood sugar. Speak to your doctor when you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the fingers and feet. It is a rare but serious side result. It is important to notify your doctor in the event that these symptoms occur.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, but this has not been proven to be the case. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the weight and height closely. If your child is on a methylphenidate chewable tablet that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, consult your doctor about the different forms of methylphenidate.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the most popular treatment for ADHD. In these instances doctors might prescribe other drugs that function similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken twice to three times daily, but some people can take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It's part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a preferred option for adults and children who want a different type of medication from stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. There are also negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. For the majority of patients, the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risks.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine is verified. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, which is a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to an outbreak of skin rash. Additionally, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your health history, including any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as other over-the-counter medicines. Discuss with your doctor if any of the following conditions occur: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and capsules. It is essential to follow the directions. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily divided by four to six hours. The dosage can vary between 100 mg twice or three times per day up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted in urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It's important to check it frequently.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know that you have any allergies. You should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can make the side effects more severe.
Several studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. Many of these studies did not include patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion can have an impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of living. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to understand the underlying causes of the molecular types of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the relation between the various molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD are not effective or cause side adverse effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are old drugs which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are usually only used when other medications have failed.
The first choice of depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain instances, despite their long history. They also work in treating neuropathic pain and have an additional pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If adhd adults medication are abruptly stopped, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety. It can be paired with stimulants for faster and longer-lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people find relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can also be helpful to some people. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will prevent interactions and minimize unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you find the right dosage and dose for your child or you.